What type of four-wheel drive does the 2021 Highlander have?

[DawsonRose]

2021 Highlander features an on-demand four-wheel drive system. Below are the relevant details about the Highlander: 1. Body dimensions: The 2021 Highlander measures 4890mm in length, 1925mm in width, and 1715mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2790mm and a curb weight of 2080kg. 2. Suspension and engine specifications: The 2021 Highlander is equipped with a MacPherson strut front suspension and an E-type multi-link rear suspension. It is powered by a 2.0T turbocharged engine delivering a maximum horsepower of 220PS (162kW), paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

[VonKimberly]

The 2021 Highlander's four-wheel drive system uses Toyota's Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD. Driving it around the city feels quite normal, just like a regular front-wheel-drive car in terms of fuel efficiency. However, when it rains or the road gets slippery, it silently switches to four-wheel drive mode, instantly distributing power to the rear wheels, making the vehicle noticeably more stable. I often use it to pick up and drop off my kids at school, and when encountering waterlogged roads, the system responds quickly—my kids say the ride isn't bumpy at all. During highway cruising, the fuel consumption is also quite low, averaging around 10 liters per 100 kilometers. Overall, this design balances economy and practicality, making it suitable for daily family commuting and occasional trips. Maintenance-wise, there aren't any major issues; just remember to check tire wear regularly to avoid the system misjudging road conditions.

[KiraLee]

From a technical perspective, the 2021 Highlander features Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD, whose core function is to automatically distribute torque by monitoring road conditions in real-time via sensors. During startup, it primarily drives the front wheels in two-wheel drive mode to enhance fuel efficiency. Once wheel slippage is detected, the electronic control unit rapidly transfers up to 50% of torque to the rear axle, with vectoring capability to independently adjust left/right rear wheel torque for improved cornering stability. Similar to the RAV4's system but enhanced for mid-size SUVs, it offers slightly faster response. Having tested it in various weather conditions, its grip on snow/ice surfaces is noticeably improved with significantly higher safety ratings. Smart Mode is recommended as it automatically adjusts to avoid unnecessary fuel waste.

[DeJack]

During vehicle repairs, I often observe that the 2021 Highlander's 4WD system is based on an active torque coupler design, primarily relying on an electromagnetically controlled clutch to connect the front and rear axles. It belongs to the on-demand 4WD type, where engine power is normally delivered to the front axle, and the coupler engages to distribute power only when sensors detect excessive slip rates. For maintenance, it's important to regularly replace the rear differential fluid to prevent degraded fluid from affecting system response. Electrical issues commonly arise from sensor dust accumulation or wiring damage, leading to abnormal torque distribution. Using a diagnostic scanner to check for trouble codes can easily identify potential problems during inspections. Overall durability is good, but don't expect hardcore off-road capability—it's more reliable for primarily highway driving.

[Manuel]

As the primary family driver, I find the 2021 Highlander's 4WD system quite reassuring, especially when traveling with kids. The system automatically engages on slippery surfaces, instantly enhancing traction during rainy conditions to prevent skidding accidents. During one winter trip, it maintained firm grip on snowy roads—my children didn't even notice any bumps in the backseat. Its fully automated operation eliminates manual switching, making daily school runs more worry-free. Combined with its high ground clearance, it handles urban roads and minor rough patches well, though serious off-roading isn't advised. I recommend parents regularly check tire pressure and sensor status to prevent malfunction risks. Overall, it prioritizes safe driving, adding an extra layer of protection for family outings.